Is Cuba Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Cuba is generally safe for solo female travelers. Crime rates are relatively low and the locals are usually warm and welcoming. However, like any other travel destination, it's always important to exercise common sense, stay vigilant about your surroundings, avoid isolated areas particularly at night, and familiarize yourself with the local customs

Safety rating

4.5 /5

Based on 24 experiences

3.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

Safety at night:Safe

Cuba is generally a safe country to visit. The locals are warm, welcoming, and respectful. While walking alone at night in well-lit and tourist-heavy areas should not present a problem, it's still recommended to stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Avoid less populous neighborhoods and do not carry valuables with you to minimize risk. As always, safety precautions that you would implement anywhere else in the world should be applied.

Public transportation: Safe

Public transportation in Cuba, including buses and taxis, is generally safe. However, especially as a solo female traveler, it's important to remain alert and cautious. Always keep an eye on your belongings and try to avoid traveling late at night. Also, ensure to use officially marked taxis when possible.

Street harassment: Moderate

Cuba is generally a safe country for solo female travelers and street harassment isn't a prominent issue, however, it does still occur occasionally. Catcalling is quite common, especially in tourist-heavy areas. But, most situations don't escalate beyond verbal comments, and physical harassment is relatively rare. Being aware of your surroundings and pleasant, but firm when unwelcomed attention arises is a good approach to handle these situations.

Petty crimes:Low

Cuba is generally considered a safe destination, particularly for solo female travelers. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse-snatching do occur, but they are less common compared to other tourist destinations. It's always recommended to be vigilant and keep personal belongings secure.

Tap water:Very unsafe

Drinking tap water in Cuba is generally not advised. The tap water isn't filtered to standards you might be used to in other countries and can contain harmful bacteria and parasites. Even locals often boil or purify their water before drinking. It's recommended to stick to bottled water during your stay for both drinking and brushing your teeth.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 24 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

4.5/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

4.5/5

Solo travel experience

Cuba was one of my favorite trips. The people are kind and welcoming. I bought a WiFi card so I could keep in touch with family back home. I stayed at Casa Particulares, the homes of local Cubans. I did a car tour and a walking tour of Havana. I didn't really drink, or stay out late, just to be safe. It was a wonderful trip.

Posted: November 6, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 4/5
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Elli

Elli (28)

Netherlands

Couple travel experience

My best friend and I went to Cuba for about two weeks. You guys have to go, it was fantastic! People there very friendly and welcoming and we found it very easy to connect with our hosts from the casa particulates. Overall you feel quite safe even at night, although you have to cope with a lot of catcalling. Landscapes are awesome and there's a variety of things to do so I would recommend also for solo travellers :)

Posted: October 5, 2023Experienced: October, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

I solo traveled to Cuba in May and loved it. It was definitely hot and humid but that was okay. Highly recommend going to Viñales in addition to Havana. In Havana, I recommend La Guarida for dinner on the rooftop during sunset. I took a day trip from Havana to Varadero beach and it was the best beach I’ve ever been to.

Posted: October 5, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Cuba is one of the safest countries I've had the opportunity to visit. It's one of the few Latin American countries where I rode a bicycle alone and walked alone at night and it was okay. Of course, thefts do happen in Havana. The only thing that was annoying was that everyone wanted to sell me something or take me somewhere, they pretended to be friends, suggested going out to party, and I never really knew what they were after. As for transportation, it's best to either take a bus or a collective taxi, but transportation is quite expensive. I recommend visiting Havana, Viñales, and Trinidad. Stayed in casas particulares and it turned out quite affordable.

Posted: October 4, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I visited Cuba for 6 days. During that time, I managed to go to Havana, Trinidad, Viñales, and Playas del Este. I traveled only with local taxis and stayed with Cubans. Cuba is extraordinary. I didn't expect it to make such an impression on me. However, one should prepare appropriately for the trip and not expect any luxuries.

Posted: October 3, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Cuba is amazing. Very interesting country and safe, but it can also be a bit challenging. They are going through some tough times now (as always) and there shortage of basically everything.

Posted: September 30, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

I found Cuba to be very safe. I didn't feel fear for my safety as I have in countries like Costa Rica or Panama. The situation is very complicated in terms of the lack of basic products so you should bring your own medications and be prepared to adapt to the local food. There's always someone willing to take you on private transportation. It's a wonderful country with wonderful people.

Posted: September 15, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Group travel experience

I've been to Cuba twice. The second time, I spent two weeks in Varadero. I would go back. It's a wonderful country, and I felt very safe. I went out partying often, and we walked on the beach or the streets in the early hours of the morning. I never saw anything dangerous.

Posted: September 14, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I went in May, and I felt very safe. It's one of those trips that, despite the challenges they face, I remember with a lot of joy. If you decide to visit Cuba, don't forget to bring your personal items and a little extra to share with them. Trust me, they will appreciate it. I brought sanitary towels, hand sanitizer, pencils, powdered milk, and other things. Just try not to give it out in public, because they will gather around you. Varadero is beautiful, and Havana has its own charm.

Posted: September 13, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I traveled last February and felt safe at all times. It's important to take precautions as in any country. Bring everything you need for personal hygiene, including medications (if you can leave some there, they will appreciate it). Download a VPN to make reservations on Airbnb. Staying with Cubans is enriching, and they will offer you everything they have. My experience was very pleasant. Enjoyed Cuba and its people.

Posted: September 11, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
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Meet locals in Cuba

Merle

Merle

Speaking

About Me

Soy una joven de 27 años. Me gusta mucho hacer amigos de distintas partes del mundo y conocer sobre otras culturas y costumbres. A la misma vez, me encanta mi ciudad, La Habana, y enseñar sus lugares y su historia. Fui estudiante de Arqueología, mi pasatiempos son los hechos y los lugares históricos de la ciudad donde vivo, así como la arquitectura. Por otra parte, si así lo deseara, pudiese ofrecerle visitas guiadas y guía especializada a sitios de interés y a cualquier otro lugar de Cuba, según sus intereses. Pueden escribirme a mi WhatsApp +53 55829483 y con gusto kes hablaré. I am a young woman of 27 years. I really like making friends from different parts of the world and learning about other cultures and customs. At the same time, I love my city, Havana, and teaching its places and its history. I was an Archeology student, my hobbies are the historical facts and places of the city where I live, as well as architecture. I am a fan of photography, I like sports, especially martial arts. My favorite music is rock, and I love to read, especially classic and historical novels. On the other hand, if you wish, you could request guided tours and a specialized guide to places of interest and to any other place in Cuba, according to your interests. You can write to my WhatsApp +53 55829483 and I will gladly talk to you.

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Kathleen

Kathleen

Speaking

About Me

Adventurous and fun I have decided to focus on myself and my well-being. Excited to keep discovering this world that we live in!

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇯 Benin, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇨🇺 Cuba, 🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of the Congo, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇦 Gabon, 🇱🇧 Lebanon, 🇲🇨 Monaco, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇦 Panama, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇨🇬 Republic of the Congo, 🇸🇳 Senegal, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇹🇬 Togo, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates, 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe, 🇿🇲 Zambia, 🇧🇫 Burkina Faso

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Maria

Maria

Speaking

About Me

Hey!, My name is Maria and I live in San

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Stay with locals in Cuba

Merle

Merle

Speaking

You can stay for:

7 days

About me

Soy una joven de 27 años. Me gusta mucho hacer amigos de distintas partes del mundo y conocer sobre otras culturas y costumbres. A la misma vez, me encanta mi ciudad, La Habana, y enseñar sus lugares y su historia. Fui estudiante de Arqueología, mi pasatiempos son los hechos y los lugares históricos de la ciudad donde vivo, así como la arquitectura. Por otra parte, si así lo deseara, pudiese ofrecerle visitas guiadas y guía especializada a sitios de interés y a cualquier otro lugar de Cuba, según sus intereses. Pueden escribirme a mi WhatsApp +53 55829483 y con gusto kes hablaré. I am a young woman of 27 years. I really like making friends from different parts of the world and learning about other cultures and customs. At the same time, I love my city, Havana, and teaching its places and its history. I was an Archeology student, my hobbies are the historical facts and places of the city where I live, as well as architecture. I am a fan of photography, I like sports, especially martial arts. My favorite music is rock, and I love to read, especially classic and historical novels. On the other hand, if you wish, you could request guided tours and a specialized guide to places of interest and to any other place in Cuba, according to your interests. You can write to my WhatsApp +53 55829483 and I will gladly talk to you.

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Safety in Cuba